Sisterhood of the Traveling Notes …
No need to overanalyze this one. With their secondary vulnerable because of injuries, the Broncos have one chance, and only one, today. Their defensive line will have to take over the game, just as it did against the Chargers and Chiefs. Period. End of scouting report.
It’s not like it can’t happen, what with Trevor Pryce and Courtney Brown healthy again. Both have inspired awe among teammates in recent weeks.
John Lynch on Pryce: “He’s as good as advertised. When I came here, you talked about having Trevor Pryce up front and what he can do. I played with those kinds of players who just command respect. If they aren’t getting the sack, they’re drawing double teams. I never really got to see that last year because he was hurt from Day One.”
Then there’s Brown, the strongest of the Broncos’ linemen. Gerard Warren, when asked about Brown’s return to health after missing virtually the entire 2004 season in Cleveland: “Aw, man, it’s a blessing in disguise for the Broncos. That guy is something special. Just seeing him on the field playing and enjoying himself, that’s enough said.” …
Can somebody spare one of those magnetized Broncos schedules for Jake Plummer’s fridge? Said the Snake, when asked if, before the season, he anticipated the Jacksonville game being a tough assignment: “I didn’t even know who we played after Monday night. I don’t know who we play next week, either.” …
If my math is right, this is the week the Broncos rediscover their tight ends. Specifically Stephen Alexander, who hasn’t done much, but hasn’t been forgotten in game-planning meetings. …
Mike Shanahan on the Jaguars’ defensive tackle tandem of Marcus Stroud and John Henderson: “They used the ninth and 13th picks on them. My goal is not to draft that low, so hopefully we don’t have that opportunity.” …
Ex-Broncos sluggo Mark Schlereth, now a svelte and handsome ESPN analyst, on the prospect of David Ortiz winning the AL MVP award: “You can’t give the MVP award to a DH. That’s like giving the NFL MVP award to a kicker.” Which takes us back in the day, to 1982, when Redskins kicker Mark Moseley was named MVP. …
So it’s official then. Mexican officials let the Arizona Cardinals enter the country despite those uniforms. …
Memo to those fightin’ Falcons of Air Force: Cheer up, boys. Sure, you’ve lost three tough games, but there’s still hope. Idaho was 0-4 and got a handful of votes in the first Harris Poll. …
True, but strange: For the second time since the beginning of last season, the Broncos won’t be favored in a regular-season game. They gave points every week last season except at San Diego. …
Barry Bonds says he wants to come back next season under 200 pounds. Uh-huh. And I’m wearing a fig leaf in next month’s Cosmo. …
And now for a sentence I’ve never typed. If the Colts can just muster up a little offense to go with that dominating defense, they might go places. …
The Padres wrapped up the NL West title the other night despite a record that has hovered near .500 throughout the season. Let me guess. Afterward, they celebrated their epic conquest by breaking out the Boone’s Farm. …
It’s been a long time coming, but CSU’s Justin Holland is finally on a roll. He’s 4-6 as the Rams’ starting QB, with the losses against CU (twice), Minnesota (twice), Southern Cal and BYU. …
I see where Lance Armstrong popped The Question to Sheryl Crow the other day: “Are those French media geeks ever going to leave me alone?” …
Steve Yzerman will launch his 22nd NHL season with no cartilage in his right knee, the aftermath of five surgeries. That’s nothing. I know a certain ex-Broncos QB who did all right for himself without an anterior cruciate ligament. Hint: His claim to fame is he preceded the immortal Brian Griese. …
And finally, R.I.P, PPIR. In case you never went there – and apparently many of you didn’t – I’m talking about Pikes Peak International Raceway, which closed its doors Friday.
Catch Jim Armstrong from 6-9 a.m. during “The Press Box” on ESPN 560 AM radio. He can be reached at 303-820-5452 or jmarmstrong@denverpost.com.
